A forgotten luxury sedan that still attracts more attention than a new BMW

The BMW 5 Series is one of the most respectable family sedans in the industry. It’s a no-nonsense approach to a fast, practical and high-tech vehicle that just seems to meet the demands of functional logic. German cars have continually forged a cultural identity through their dedication to mechanical precision, giving their cars a polished yet simplistic flavor. While this is undeniably a recipe for a serious daily commuter, it may lack a certain sense of boldness or occasion found in other cars. And even though it’s the only car you could ever need, sometimes that’s not enough to fall in love with it.

While Jaguar is now undergoing a massive rebranding, there are still some modern, but value-oriented second-hand options that might give you the fizz that the BMW doesn’t have. Both the BMW 5 Series and the Jaguar BMW dominates this segment of the market, but the Jaguar XF is one of the ultimate forgotten bargains of the 2010s and 2020s.

Jaguar’s last ever sedan comes with serious style

The Jaguar XF was the final chapter in an important storybook of Jaguar history. One that was started in the 1960s by the Mark 2 and the XJ6, and one that would remain in the heart and soul of Jaguar until the last XF was produced in 2024: the stylish, luxurious sedan. A long line of cars that any owner could be proud of, but that the whole family could benefit from. While the BMW 5 Series defines its sense of luxury through gadgets, huge screens and giant LED strips, the XF is much more civilized for the traditional gentleman and embodies the original meaning of the word luxury.

The Jaguar With real, physical switchgear and knurled metal dials, there’s a certain tactility and satisfying click that conveys a sense of craftsmanship much more than haptics on a bright touchscreen. While the BMW is more gadget-ready and feels at home in the hands of a tech geek, the Jaguar XF has features that create a sense of experience that the 5 Series doesn’t have. With a 400W Meridian sound system on the Dynamic SE

2024 Jaguar XF Performance Vs. The 2026 BMW 5 Series

If we compare the base models of these two vehicles, the outcome is quite similar. Both have emissions-friendly 2.0-litre turbo engines, which, while fast enough, won’t be chosen by those who really crave a driver’s car. That said, if you prioritize efficiency and adequate performance, either base model will do the job. Both vehicles also share the same ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, which is often considered the best torque converter gearbox available. While the Jaguar is tuned for a smooth and relaxing feel, BMW opts for an efficiency-oriented setup, which is matched to the mild-hybrid system. In standard Jaguar mode it feels a little more traditional than the Bimmers setup.

2024 Jaguar XF Vs. 2026 BMW 530i

While both are quite similar in performance, the 530i benefits from a hybrid-oriented instant boost. While this makes for a slightly faster car, people who love the Jaguar for its more relaxed cruiser style may even prefer the creamier gearbox and more progressive acceleration style.

What if you want a little more punch in your XF?

The 2020 model year is seen as a good place for the Jaguar If you want to use your $30,000 differently than a more modern 2022-2024 Jaguar The supercharged 3.0-litre V6 XF-S turns the sensitivity of the Ingenium

Jaguar XF with supercharger versus hybrid BMW 540i

This is also where the BMW 540i comes into play. Although it trades the Jag’s V-shaped cylinder layout for an inline-six setup and opts for partial electrification over a ridiculous supercharger, it has real power of its own. It has strong power delivery through its 3.0-litre engine, but also fills in the blanks with its mild hybrid setup, leaving the Jaguar behind in terms of numerical performance. However, nothing can match the buttery, raspy V6 in the Jag. No, it’s not as outright fast as the 540i. However, combined with its stunning interior and lightweight aluminum body, it creates a dynamic, stylish and exciting occasion that the more precise BMW sorely lacks.

Reliability, prices and depreciation

The 2023 Jaguar Even at these competitive prices, the Jag was always the forgotten option. In 2026, you can get the same 2023 Jaguar

Once you purchase the XF, depreciation becomes less of a serious factor. Since about 40 percent of the car’s value has already been lost in the showroom, you can expect relatively slow depreciation in the future. The expected residual value in three years is only 13 percent less than what it is worth now.

It is also predicted that the new BMW 530i will have lost 40 percent in value after the first three years of ownership, bringing its value to around $37,127 in 2028. Unfortunately, the XF has slightly below-average reliability, with a market rating of just 6.8/10. iSeeCars. Despite massive improvements to the timing chain of the first generation Ingeniums, they are still not a particularly robust engine. Things aren’t much better for the Bimmer, which also scores a semi-acceptable 6.8/10 on iSeeCars.

The forgotten Jaguar XF is a well-made, used bargain

With a price tag of around $25,000 for a 2020 V6 supercharged XF-S, this is the real choice for drivers in the XF range. It combines the vast majority of the safety technology and technical comfort of the 2023/2024 models, in addition to the British craftsmanship of the interior quality, with that extraordinary engine. If you follow your soul you will probably end up with this, but if you use your head you can end up with the $30,000+ 2023 JaguarXF. This will be the most sensible option for most people, with plenty of power in the P300 models and being only a few years old it’s the closest to the new examples of the XF.

The 2026 BMW 530i is a safe choice, and although it requires a large investment, it will serve you well. But it is truly a shame that the beautiful Jaguar XF remained so under the radar against its German rivals. The lack of success in this segment is one of the reasons that has prompted Jaguar to pull the plug on its long line of beautiful sedans, but at least used owners can still buy and cherish these.

Sources: Jaguar, BMW, iSeeCars, AutoEdge, KBB